Skardu is a base for some of the best scenery in Pakistan. Here are twelve things to do, with rough travel times from town.
In this guide
- 1. Visit Shangrila and Lower Kachura Lake
- 2. Take a boat on Upper Kachura Lake
- 3. Cross the Deosai Plains
- 4. Watch sunset at the Katpana cold desert
- 5. Explore Shigar Fort
- 6. Drive to Khaplu
- 7. Stop at Satpara Lake
- 8. Visit Manthokha Waterfall
- 9. Climb to Kharpocho Fort
- 10. See the Buddha rock carving
- 11. Walk through Skardu Bazaar
- 12. Fly in over the Karakoram
- How many days do you need?
- Sample plans by interest
- Common planning mistakes
- Practical notes
- Frequently asked questions
1. Visit Shangrila and Lower Kachura Lake
The iconic pagoda resort on a still lake, about 30–40 minutes away. See our Shangrila guide.
2. Take a boat on Upper Kachura Lake
A deeper, wilder lake a short way further, with boat rides and trout restaurants.
3. Cross the Deosai Plains
A full-day trip by jeep in summer. See Deosai National Park.
4. Watch sunset at the Katpana cold desert
Sand dunes beneath snow peaks, close to the airport. Beautiful at golden hour and, in winter, sometimes dusted with snow.
5. Explore Shigar Fort
A restored 17th-century palace and an easy heritage day trip. See Shigar guide.
6. Drive to Khaplu
A palace, a medieval mosque and the Shyok Valley. See Khaplu guide.
7. Stop at Satpara Lake
A reservoir lake on the road to Deosai; a quick stop with big views of the valley.
8. Visit Manthokha Waterfall
A tall, cool waterfall in Kharmang, about two hours away. Good for a relaxed half-day.
9. Climb to Kharpocho Fort
The old fort on the rock above Skardu: a short climb with views over the Indus and the town.
10. See the Buddha rock carving
A rock carving of Buddha near Manthal, a reminder of Baltistan’s Buddhist history.
11. Walk through Skardu Bazaar
For dried apricots, handicrafts, woollen goods and local snacks.
12. Fly in over the Karakoram
If you fly from Islamabad, sit on the left or right depending on the route to see the highest peaks. Read Skardu by road or by air.
How many days do you need?
| Days | What you can fit |
|---|---|
| 3 | 1–5 plus 9 |
| 5 | 1–7 plus 9–10 |
| 7 | Almost everything, including Khaplu and Deosai at a relaxed pace |
See our Skardu itineraries and main Skardu guide.
Sample plans by interest
| Interest | Best picks |
|---|---|
| Scenery | Kachura lakes, Katpana, Deosai |
| Culture and history | Shigar Fort, Khaplu Palace, Kharpocho Fort, Buddha rock |
| Relaxed travel | Shangrila, Satpara and Skardu bazaar |
| Photography | Katpana at sunset, Sheosar Lake, Shigar Valley |
Common planning mistakes
- Trying to fit Deosai and Khaplu into consecutive days without a rest.
- Forgetting that flights can be cancelled; keep a spare day.
- Booking only one night and missing the evening and morning light.
Practical notes
Bring cash for entry fees, boats and food. Dress modestly, particularly in villages and religious places. Check road status before leaving town, as landslides can affect longer routes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best thing to do in Skardu?
Many travellers rank Deosai and the Kachura lakes at the top, depending on season.
How many days should I spend in Skardu?
Five days by air is a good balance; seven by road.
Can I do Deosai and Khaplu in one trip?
Yes, on separate days. Both are long outings.
What is the one thing not to miss in Skardu?
It depends on season; many travellers choose Deosai in summer and the Kachura lakes in spring or autumn.
Is Skardu suitable for kids?
Yes, most sights are easy; Deosai is long, so plan carefully with young children.
